Lumago specializes in smart technologies for the aquaponics industry and is among a short list of 10 start ups selected to participate in the 2017 Lion’s Lair competition. An annual initiative from the Innovation Factory and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Lair helps drive regional innovation and prosperity by investing in high potential start ups. This year, more than $160K in cash and prizes is up for grabs.

Each participating company will receive presentation and media relations training in preparation for a 15-minute pitch to a panel of business leaders followed by questions. Winners will be announced at a gala community event on September 27 hosted by McMaster business professor Nick Bontis.

Melissa Houghton, Lumago founder and CEO and graduate of the Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation program, thinks initiatives like Lion’s Lair and the Forge Start Up competition play an important role in helping new businesses scale up and grow. “They promote collaboration and energize the innovation community,” said Melissa. She added that any winnings for Lumago from this year’s Lion’s Lair will be directly invested into ongoing research and development as well as marketing.

Melissa Houghton, Lumago founder and CEO and graduate of the Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation program, will be competing for $160K in cash and prizes at the 2017 Lion’s Lair competition.

HiNT, another recent W Booth start up, is also participating in this year’s Lion’s Lair competition. Tune into the competition live on September 27 on Cable 14.